Path Lighting
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Why We Love Path Lights
One of the most important aspects of outdoor landscape design is lighting. From entryway lighting to decorative spotlights, the right outdoor lighting adds the perfect finishing touch. Pathway lighting is important for both safety and aesthetics and is an easy way to make your home stand out, especially at night. A variety of pathway lights are available to suit any outdoor area. From low-profile, in ground lights to touchier style LED path lights, there is a pathway lighting system that will work for any garden, walkway, or outdoor stairwell.
In addition to safety and adding decorative touches, path lights serve to welcome guests to your home or business and can make landscaping tasks easier. For example, above-ground path lights make it easier to remove snow in the winter, since it’s easier to determine where the sidewalk ends and the grass begins. This prevents damage to grass and shrubs once spring arrives.
Landscaping 101: Where Path Lighting Works Best
Path lighting is intended to illuminate walkways so the risk of falling is minimized and landscaping is beautifully highlighted. In addition to pathways, path lighting is suitable for use near entryways, alongside outdoor steps, around the perimeter of a swimming pool, or to light gardens or greenhouses.
In-ground or recessed path lights are ideal for high traffic areas such as walkways, garden paths or poolside. These lights are installed to lie flush to the ground so tripping hazards are reduced and the lights are less likely to be damaged from storms or lawn and garden equipment. Above-ground path lights offer more decorative options and styles range from simple baton-style versions to ornate, lantern style hanging path lights.
Best Styles of Path Lights
There are countless path lighting options available and the ones you choose will depend largely on how you intend to use them, the size and layout of the intended area, as well as the style that best matches existing greenery, outdoor furniture, fixtures.
For path lighting with contemporary and minimalist looks, brands like WAC Lighting, BEGA and Focus Industries specialize in high-quality industrial bollard lights that look great in both residential and commercial outdoor spaces. For ultra-modern above ground and in-ground lights, Tech Lighting and Kichler have innovative designs that give yards and other spaces a contemporary feel.
How to Choose the Best Path Lights
Choosing the best path lights doesn’t have to be complicated. Always consider the surrounding outdoor and landscape lighting when deciding which path light to purchase. For larger yards with minimal trees, shrubs, or decorative yard accessories, a path light with intricate details is a good choice. If you live in an area of the country that frequently deals with inclement weather, a recessed or in ground version might be a better choice.
Other Considerations
Aside from the size of the intended space for the path light, there are some other things to be mindful of. Based on the size of your outdoor space, you may want to consult a landscaping professional to assist in planning the placement and layout of your new path lights. A professional landscaper can also recommend outdoor lights with specific features such as solar path lights and automatic dimming. Choosing pathway lights from a line that also includes outdoor pendant lighting, exterior wall sconces, and outdoor recessed lighting adds to a cohesive look.
Many path lights are easy to install but some require professional configuration of the wiring, so it’s best to choose a set of path lights that work for your particular situation. When it comes to path lighting, there a lot of exciting options to choose from, so keeping these tips in mind will make it easier to choose a style that suits your needs.
